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Composer Valtteri Laurell Pöyhönen presents his Nonet formation on We Jazz Records. Their debut album Tigers Are Better Looking was released 3 February 2023 and the ensemble features internationally renowned Finnish clarinetist Antti Sarpila, plus a strong cast of Helsinki-based musicians from several of the top Finnish groups. "Brilliant album!" - Jamie Cullum, BBC2 Based on the writings of British-Caribbean author Jean Rhys (1890–1979), the 6-track album is a melancholy, intimate chamber jazz creation. Laurell's music swings, yet he doesn't stop there, but moves further to paint an original, richly-toned sonic image with the highly potent Nonet. Laurell states Gerry Mulligan, Miles Davis's "Water Babies" and Charles Mingus among the key musical influences of his compositions on this album. Through Rhys's text, Laurell finds a special sense of detachment and melancholy evident in his new material. Antti Sarpila's masterful clarinet provides the icing on the cake, floating high above the clouds of sound. Line-up: Valtteri Laurell Pöyhönen, electric guitar Antti Sarpila, clarinet Jukka Eskola; trumpet, flugelhorn Petri Puolitaival; alto sax, flute Jussi Kannaste, tenor sax Antti Rissanen, trombone Ville Vannemaa, baritone sax Ville Herrala, double bass Jaska Lukkarinen, drums Composed and produced by Valtteri Laurell Pöyhönen